SAP MES


What Is MES?

A manufacturing execution system (MES) is a software solution to improve reliability and traceability with a centralized process and automated data collection. It is a solution to digitalize processes and integrate systems, using a cost effective, high quality, and resource efficient methodology based on industry 4.0 technology. Organizations use MES for either the automation of separate manufacturing processes or optimization of overall production management. Near real-time data increases reliability and product traceability using Internet of Things technology to improve visibility. MES includes cloud and on-premise deployment, a simplified integration with an ERP, flexible production of one process modeling, and detailed production visibility.

What Is MES?

A manufacturing execution system (MES) is a software solution to improve reliability and traceability with a centralized process and automated data collection. It is a solution to digitalize processes and integrate systems, using a cost effective, high quality, and resource efficient methodology based on industry 4.0 technology. Organizations use MES for either the automation of separate manufacturing processes or optimization of overall production management. Near real-time data increases reliability and product traceability using Internet of Things technology to improve visibility. MES includes cloud and on-premise deployment, a simplified integration with an ERP, flexible production of one process modeling, and detailed production visibility.

Key Capabilities of SAP Manufacturing Execution System (SAP MES) include:

  • Centralized Operations: Provide role-based touchscreen interfaces to support manufacturing workflows; manage production processes; change routing of materials based on production events.
  • Automated Data Collection: Record traceability, quality, and other production data; monitor adherence to production specifications; trigger a predetermined non-conformance process in case of deviation; and integrate with master data of an ERP system.
  • Detect Tracking and Resolution: Create a history record for serialized products with track and trace; gain insights into where to increase efficiency and save costs.

6 SAP MES Benefits are:

  1. Replaces spreadsheets and paper processes with digitization
  2. Integrates with an ERP system
  3. Reduces waste, scraps, and overages
  4. Decreases downtime
  5. Reduces cost
  6. Streamlines inventory management

Challenges with MES include expensive cost of implementation if organizations require a large amount of customization. Within manufacturing, lack of employee engagement or accuracy can lead to production delays.

Vendor partners to modernize manufacturing with digital technology are: AWS, Cognizant, Forcam, and TechMahindra.

Key Resources for SAPinsiders:

  • Industry 4.0: The Journey to the Future of Productivity. Read about the importance of collaboration to understand automation in the journey of digitalization.
  • Leveraging Technology to Address Automotive Industry Challenges. Learn about unique tools the automotive industry leveraged to improve business processes.
  • Roundtable Discussion: Intelligent Connected Manufacturing with SAP. Listen to this virtual roundtablediscussion to gain insights on customer success stories and how intelligent technology can help you.

7 results

  1. Industry 4.0 – The Journey to the Future of Productivity

    Published: 03/March/2020

    Reading time: 5 mins

    Manufacturing companies are often overwhelmed by the breadth of Industry 4.0 technologies and are not quite sure where to begin their digital transformations. Learn how to assess product bottlenecks and inefficiencies and how to build incrementally on end-to-end processes such as design to operate. Because unique customer demands heavily affect product design and manufacturing, manufacturers…

  2. How to Leverage Customer Experience Data in Manufacturing

    Published: 11/November/2019

    Reading time: 5 mins

    Customer trends in the consumer and B2B marketplaces today are moving toward models where manufacturers can deliver unique services versus traditional “off-the-shelf” products. Demand for this sort of individualized manufacturing puts pressure on manufacturers to innovate/design and deliver goods faster. Therefore, supply chain professionals are challenged with how to become more flexible and adaptable. This…

  3. It’s “Do or Die” for Many SAP Customers

    Published: 01/October/2019

    Reading time: 2 mins

    The past few years have shown a rapid increase in new consumer products, proven by the vast array of new choices appearing daily. Shifting consumer demands and disruptive business models are driving manufacturers to introduce new products at an unprecedented pace and scale. Speed to market and business agility are critical for businesses to compete.…

  4. The Intelligent Enterprise and the Digital Supply Chain of One

    Published: 22/October/2018

    Reading time: 3 mins

    This third article in a series of five on the Intelligent Enterprise shows how apps and extensions to SAP Cloud Platform can benefit vendors building solutions and products to help their customers optimize their manufacturing and supply chain operations.

  5. Optimize Your Manufacturing Plant by Implementing an MES for Shop Floor Data Collection and Automatic Data Transfer to SAP ECC

    Published: 04/June/2018

    Reading time: 16 mins

    Learn how to connect a manufacturing execution system (MES) to SAP ERP Central Component (SAP ECC). Understand common use cases and best practices during the implementation. Learn integration options, avoid common pitfalls, and get help planning a multi-plant system rollout. View corresponding SAP transactions that allow you to review and troubleshoot MES data

  6. Live from SAPinsider Studio: Sam Castro of SAP on Industrial IoT

    Sam Castro, Director, LOB Manufacturing, SAP, joins SAPinsider for an interview to discuss Industrial IoT at the SAPinsider IoT 2017 event in Orlando. Topics of this discussion include: The impact IoT technologies and digitization have for the management of manufacturing processes locally and at the enterprise What it means for operations cost and scale to…

  7. Optimize Your Manufacturing Plant by Implementing an MES for Shop Floor Data Collection and Automatic Data Transfer to ECC

    Published: 08/February/2017

    Reading time: 14 mins

    Learn how to connect a manufacturing execution system (MES) to SAP ERP Central Component (ECC). Understand common use cases and best practices during the implementation. Learn integration options, avoid common pitfalls, and get help planning a multi-plant system rollout. View corresponding SAP transactions that allow you to review and troubleshoot MES data. Key Concept A...…